The Government Shut Down – What you need to know

We’ve been fielding a lot of questions regarding the new tax reform and now the government shutdown
is a big topic of conversation. Look for a blog from Piper explaining all the major things YOU need to
know about the new tax reform on Monday, but for now, let’s talk shutdown!

According to the FY2018 Lapsed Appropriations Contingency Plan (During the Filing Season):

“…the IRS will need to continue return processing activities to the extent necessary to protect
Government property, which includes tax revenue, and maintain the integrity of the federal tax
collection process, along with certain other activities authorized under the Anti-Deficiency Act.”

What this means is that the opening of tax season is still officially Monday, January 29th , we will still be
able to e-file any tax returns starting that day.

While some activities will continue, like the processing of electronic returns systematically and
processing payment remittances, other activities will be furloughed. The processing of 1040X Amended
returns will halt; all audit functions, examinations of returns and processing of non-electronic tax returns
that do not include remittances will not be conducted; Taxpayer service sites that help to answer
Taxpayer questions will be closed; and tax refunds will NOT be issued.
If the shutdown extends beyond five business days, these activities will be reassessed and possibly
reinstated.

As much as we wish that the shutting down of the government would also stall our obligation to pay our
tax bill it is important to remember that the prevailing tax law remains in effect for all taxpayers and
everyone should still work on getting their returns filed and make sure to pay any outstanding liability
payments as due.

You can schedule an appointment to sit down with us about your 2017 tax return by calling the office at
520-297- 7676. If you have any questions please send us a message or email us at info@piperaccounting.com.